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OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE
May 2008
OIL & GAS UK FACILITIES DECOMMISSIONING WORKGROUP
TOPSIDE & PIPELINE FACILITIES

DECOMMISSIONING
GUIDANCE ON
CONDITIONING/ CLEANING
PRIOR TO
DECOMMISSIONING/ DISMANTLING
Prepared by WG4
MAY 2008
OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE
May 2008
INDEX
Introduction
Overview
Flow Charts
1. Contract Strategy Decision
2. Inventory Checking
3. Resale / Reuse Decision
4. Define Cleanliness Standard
5. Topsides Cleaning Issues
6. Onshore Dismantle / Disposal
7. Pipeline Cleaning
8. Topsides Cleaning Techniques
9. Safety Management System
10.Safety Case Adjustments
11.Workforce Management
Appendices
Decommissioning Technology Forum (DTF) Report
Extract (Jul-06)
Session 1
Offshore Workshop Notes/ Participants (Oct-07)
Session 2
Onshore Workshop Notes/ Participants (Jan-08)
Session 3
Npf Break Out session Notes
Session 4
Pipeline Workshop Notes (Feb-08)
Session 5
OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE
May 2008
Introduction
Part of OGUK/PILOT decommissioning initiative is to actively raise awareness about
decommissioning issues; improve supply chain engagement and capture learning and
experience where available as part of continuous improvement agenda.
This document is the first in what is hopefully a series offering guidance based on
recent experience from operators, consultants and contractors on topside and pipeline
conditioning or cleaning as part of the decommissioning process. This area was
selected as several major projects have completed this activity phase.
It builds on an earlier document prepared by the Decommissioning Technology
Forum based on Ekofisk; Frigg and NW Hutton experience.
The input was gathered by five workshop sessions as below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DTF Topsides Cleaning Workshop

WG4 Workshop Offshore Topside Cleaning
WG4 Workshop Onshore Topside Cleaning
NPF Conference Topside Cleaning break out session
WG4 Pipeline Cleaning Workshop
9 May 2006
4 Oct 2007
31 Jan 2008
12 Feb 2008
27 Feb 2008
More details on participants and detail output are contained in the appendices.
The document is intended to provide guidance on some of the issues faced, options to
be considered and opportunities for improvement that could be realised. It is not
intended as a prescriptive series of requirements or a comprehensive guideline on how
to execute the activities.
To make the output accessible, usable and understandable the various areas covered
have been discretely identified in the form of simple flowcharts. These charts are not
exhaustive or necessarily complete but are intended to provide a rational flow in the
preparation process to stimulate early thought and minimise late surprises.
It is hoped that the document provides a base to expand on as further experience
materialises but any project will need to consider their own circumstances as different
execution options maybe dictated by the overarching Project Execution Strategy
rather than optimisation of a single activity.
Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities

Decommissioning
TOPSIDE & PIPELINE FACILITIES
DECOMMISSIONING
INVENTORY
CHECKING
CONTRACT
STRATEGY
DECISION
3
RESALE
REUSE
DECISION
9
5
TOPSIDES
CLEANING
ISSUES
DEFINE
CLEANLINESS
STANDARD
SAFETY
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
10
6
SAFETY
CASE
ADJUSTMENTS
ONSHORE
DISMANTLE/
DISPOSAL
11
WORKFORCE
MANAGEMENT
PIPELINE
CLEANING
TOPSIDE
CLEANING
TECHNIQUES
Notes
The above tries to simplistically represent how each of the detailed flowcharts are generally
related and also highlights the key overlaps, however, in practice many other interlinks exist.
Each of the Detailed Flowcharts have identified which workshop sessions contributed to that
Specific area of the process, as indicated by workshop sessions numbers on previous page.
Session details and contributors can been found in Appendices.
HOW WILL RISK OF QUANTITY

UNCERTAINTY BE HANDLED
- IN THE CONTRACT?
- BY THE REGULATOR?
BLOCKERS
OFFSHORE MANHOURS
LARGE No OFFSHORE LIFTS
DOUBLE HANDLING
DECK ACCESS / INTEGRITY &
STORAGE SPACE
WORKFORCE
ACCOMMODATION
Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities Decommissioning
1
CONTRACT STRATEGY DECISION
WHAT IS OVERALL REMOVAL

STRATEGY?
BLOCKERS
OPERATOR RELUCTANCE
UNPROVEN TECHNOLOGY
LIMITED OFFLOADING SITES
UNPROVEN COST
DO WE LIMIT REMOVAL OPTIONS

OR LEAVE OPEN?
REDUCED OPPORTUNITY REUSE
MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY REUSE
REVERSE
MODULAR
PIECE SMALL
Workshop Session 2 3 4
GREATER LEVEL OF OFFSHORE CLEANING
SINGLE LIFT
GREATER LEVEL OF ONSHORE CLEANING
WHY AND WHERE ARE WE

CLEANING / CONDITIONING
WEIGHT
UNCERTAINTY
HSE FOR PERSONNEL/

ENV RISK
OPPORTUNITY
THE STANDARDS FOR SHUTDOWNS & TURNAROUNDS MAY
BE EXCESSIVE FOR OFFSHORE PREPARATION NOT
SEEKING FLOW ASSURANCE, EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY &
PERFORMANCE, INSPECTIONS REQUIREMENTS
OPPORTUNITY
JUST IDENTIFYING THAT CONTAMINANT IS PRESENT MAY BE
SUFFICIENT. UNLIKELY THAT QUANTITIES WILL BE
PREDICTED WITH GREATER ACCURACY OR CLEANED
WITHOUT LEAVING TRACES
IDENTIFY
CONTAMINENTS &
MINIMISE HAZARDS
ALLOW
HOT CUTTING
OPPORTUNITY
NEED TO MAINTAIN PERSONNEL CONTINUITY BUT NEED
TRAINING IN CHANGING MINDSET OF OPERATIONS TO
DECOMMISSIONING
OPPORTUNITY
MINIMISE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS CAN BE BIGGEST
OFFSHORE MANPOWER REQUIREMENT
OPPORTUNITY
IS FLUSH SUFFICIENT? WHERE IS IT OK.
OPPORTUNITY
SUPPLY CHAIN CONSOLIDATION IF OFFSHORE / ONSHORE
CLEANING / CONDITIONING IS A SINGLE SUPPLIER. THE
SELECTION OF EFFICIENCY OF LOCATION WOULD BE MORE
STRAIGHTFORWARD
REMOVE H-C
SOURCES IMPACT ON
HAZARD AND SAFETY
CASE
OPPORTUNITY
GREATER CO-OPERATION & DOCUMENT INTERFACE
BETWEEN OFFSHORE & ONSHORE EARLY IN THE PROCESS
Key
Green Opportunities
Pink Observation / Consideration
(Based on Current Experience)
Do you have an
Accurate Asset
Register ?
Yes
2
Do you know
What chemicals are
onboard
No
Develop an up to
date Register
Execute a
Chemicals
Inventory Study
No
INVENTORY CHECKING
Yes
Yes
Workshop Sessions 1 2 3
Do you know what

other constituents of
equipment may cause
problems ?
No
Check that current

assumptions are
valid
Execute a detailed
Inventory Study
Do you
Know if there is
LSA Scale in the
wellbores ?
Yes
Can it be re-injected
down the wells?
Or left in the well
None Present
None Present
Is there LSA
in the production
pipework ?
No
Not Sure
Execute a radiological
contamination Survey
Yes
Check that current

assumptions are valid
None Present
Is there LSA
in the Production
separation Systems
?
Not Sure
Update Surveys
as required or as
access improves
Yes
Naturally Occurring
Uranium
contamination has
been found in some
WI pipework
Check that current

None Present
Is there Uranium
in the WI pipework
systems ?
Execute a Uranium
Consolidated
Inventory Report
Yes
May be missed as not

usually checked for - check
assumptions
None Present
Not Sure
Info
Naturally Occurring
Radon is produced which
degrades via Polonium to
Lead 210
Is there
radiological
contamination of the gas
handling pipework
?
May be missed as
Pollonium not usually
checked for - check
assumptions
Not Sure
Info
Develop Waste Management Plan
Cleaning Strategy based
on inventories expected
Yes
Mercury may leech into
rust scale / metal of
pipework
None Present
Is there Mercury
in the produced
gas pipework
systems ?
Not Sure
Info
Execute a mercury
OPPORTUNITY
USE OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE & SHUTDOWN
RECORDS
Yes
May be missed as Mercury
not usually checked for check assumptions
Be aware that experience has

shown that a lack of a threshold
limit when asbestos monitoring
can cause serious disruption to
plans ie you currently either
have asbestos or not
OPPORTUNITY
DEVELOP IMPROVED NON INTRUSIVE MAPPING
TECHNIQUES
Take care wrt type of survey

and timing as destructive
survey & finding asbestos can
cause major problems
Info
Yes
Is there asbestos
on the platform ?
Check that current

Yes
Check that current

Not Sure
Execute an Asbestos
Survey
Hot cutting of paint coatings

can introduce serious
health hazards
(isocyenates)
- Effectively monitor Fumes
& use latest PPE
Do you know what

paint types have
been used on the
platform ?
Not Sure
Info
Execute a Paint
Type Survey
Key
Green Opportunities

Agree High Level Scope
eg. Level of Cleanliness
- Re-Use or Not
- Mothball / NUI or Not
- LQ Available or Not
Reactivating LQ & key

equipment after a long
period of being Shutdown
can be time consuming
and expensive
Info
RESALE / REUSE DECISION
Workshop Session 1
Can Firm dates for
supply of items for sale to
Beach be given
Reconsider Resale
Strategy
No
No
No
Yes
Internal Resources
Does
Decommissioning
Strategy Involve NUI
Operations
Is it intended to
remove items early from
facilities for Sale
Yes
Yes
Evaluate cost of Item

Retrieval and Marketing
vs Perceived value of
Item for Sale
Decide How to
Market Goods
External Contractors
Is
(Cost x Effort) <
Perceived
Resale Value
No
Considerable
Can all Appropriate

paperwork be located
(Maintenance Records)
No
Evaluate amount of
Effort required to locate
paperwork
Info
Yes
Minimal
Consider how to limit

potential liability from being
a supplier of equipment
and any legal obligations.

Retrieval vs Perceived
value of Item for Sale

Retrieval vs Perceived
value of Item for Sale
Yes
Proceed via usual Asset

Disposal route
Establish Ownership
of perceived Resale
Value and how it will
be shown on the
Bottom Line
Info
Key
Green Opportunities
Proceed with Cleaning
Process

Frigg Criteria Hydrocarbon

<5% = LEL
5%-10% = Evaluate
>10% = Clean
DEFINE CLEANLINESS STANDARD
Info
Establish Material Inventory

(As Early as Possible)
Maximise use of Routine
Operations & Shutdowns
Define Cleanliness levels

for systems
Review Hazards that may

remain after cleaning
Review Potential for

Recharge of Hazards
after cleaning.
Consider Unexpected
Hazards
Yes
Has an RPS Survey been

performed
Info
LSA / NORM Consider

impacts of bringing
ashore limited handling/
disposal capacity is often
an issue.
Has a mercury survey been

performed?
Info
Mercury can sweat out of

scale/vessel walls and
piping if present.
Is there a history of H2S

contaminated gas?
Info
H2S can cause

phyrophorric scales to
form which spontaneously
combust if left to dry out.
Is wax expected to remain

after flushing?
Info
Wax may have to be

removed if signifficant or
may be allowed to
degrade
Info
Steaming partial system /

sub-systems has proved
not to remove all
condensate from piping
systems.
Workshop Sessions 1 2 3 4 5
Establish Early Dialogue with

regulator(s) on interpretation,
precision required
and disposal routes.
Is a high flushing efficiency

required?
No
COLD / NUI PHASE

CONSIDER
LEAVING EQUIPMENT / VESSELS OPEN TO
VENT SO AVOIDING FUME BUILD-UP FROM
REMNANTS
Yes
Consider quantities found

and validity of strategy
BLANKING OFF LSA CONTAMINATED SYSTEMS

NO PRESERVATION OF EQUIPMENT / VESSELS
AT ALL
Eg. AS PER EKOFISK / FRIGG
A RESIDUAL WASTE SURVEY PERFORMED
POST CLEANING IS OFTEN NEEDED TO
CONFIRM AMOUNTS OF WASTE BEING
RETURNED TO SHORE FOR DISPOSAL (NO
SURPRISES)
Develop appropriate
Draining / Venting / Cold
Phase Strategy
Select appropriate
Cleaning technologies
BE AWARE
RESIDUAL WASTE SURVEYS HAVE IDENTIFIED
MATERIALS SUCH AS.
OPPORTUNITY
INTERROGATE SHIP CLEANING EXPERTISE
RESIDUAL HYDROCARBONS
SLUDGES
LSA
RESIDUAL CHEMICALS
MERCURY
ASBESTOS
PCBs
WAXES RECHARGING UNFLOODED
SYSTEMS. - CONSIDER MONITORING OR
INERT GAS IF PRESENT
Key
Green Opportunities
5
i.e. When is the work to be
carried out in relation to
Cessation of Production
Topsides Cleaning Issues
Workshop Session 1
Is there a
Decommissioning
Strategy
Yes
CONSIDER
DEVELOPING / AGREEING CLEANLINESS AND
PRESSURE HANDOVER CERTIFICATE
REQUIREMENTS WITH OPERATIONS,
WHAT HAPPENS TO OPERATIONAL CONSENTS IN
NUI MODE, LENGTH OF TIME PLATFORM WILL BE
COLD i.e. MAINTENANCE OF F&G SYSTEMS,
SCE ELEMENTS, ACCOMMODATION.
No
Develop a
Decommissioning
Phasing Strategy
END FLUID / SOLID DISPOSAL PLANS WHICH

MAY DICTATE SYSTEM CLEANING SEQUENCES
AND OFFSHORE CLEANING PERMITS. OPTIMISE
USE OF OPERATIONAL DISCHARGE CONSENTS.
Key Personnel are needed

during the planning phase
of the decommissioning
works to retain operational
familiarity and competence
Develop Key Personnel

for Decommissioning
AVOID DECOMMISSIONING SIMOPS WITH WELLS

TO FINISH, BEFORE CLEANING UP TOPSIDES.
THIS AVOIDS THE REQUIREMENT FOR SUBSYSTEM ISOLATION CLEANING THIS IS
EXPENSIVE /TIME CONSUMING.
IMPORTING POWER / FUEL GAS TO ALLOW
SIMPLER NUI OPERATIONS
Will Equipment be
Sold/ReUsed
Or
Scrapped
HOW TO LEAVE THE EQUIPMENT AFTER

CLEANING. POTENTIAL RESALE WILL IMPACT ON
CLEANING STRATEGY.
MOTHBALLING / DECOMMISSIONING DECISION
AS THIS WILL DICTATE LEVEL OF CLEANLINESS
AND WHETHER OR NOT TO CUT DRAIN HOLES
RATHER THAN BREAKING FLANGES
A RESIDUAL WASTE SURVEY TO PROVIDE
INFORMATION TO THE ONSHORE DEMOLITION
YARD
Sale / Reuse
Proceed with Reuse/

Resale Process
Scrapped
Develop Cleaning /
Preservation Strategy
on this assumption
Key
Green Opportunities
Contract Strategy
Decision
Taken for Onshore / Offshore
Workscope and Re-Use
/ Disposal
6
ONSHORE DISMANTLE / DISPOSAL
Key Drivers to Maximise Efficiency

Early Involvement
Establish Interface with Offshore
Access to Engineering, As-Building Information
Detailed Waste Inventory
Waste Inventory Level of Detail
Info
Workshop Sessions 3 4
CONSIDER
LONG LEAD FOR TRAILERS Vs
SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY
Establish Weight,
Delivery Window
Custody Transfer
Info
Dismantle
Re-Use
CONSIDER
EARLY DIALOGUE WITH
REGULATOR
ACCURATE P&IDs
MAINTENANCE RECORDS
ASSIST IN PREDICTING
CONTAMINATED AREAS
CAPTURE OFFSHORE
DOCUMENTATION OF STATUS
FROM RECORDS
OFFSHORE VISIT & EARLY
LIAISON WITH OFFSHORE STAFF
Info
CONSIDER
NATURE OF COATINGS IF HOT
WORK PLANNED
ARE CDM (Construction, Design
and Management Regulations 2007)
RELEVANT
KEEP WALKWAYS / STAIRS AS
FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN
ONSHORE ACCESS
Recycle
Blockers
Blockers
Limited Market
Demand
Limited Specialist
Waste Routes
Manage and Track Waste
OPPORTUNITY
PARTNERSHIP / JV WITH OFFSHORE CLEANING
AND ONSHORE DISMANTLING
OPPORTUNITY
SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE
EFFICIENCY & SAFETY FOR PIECE SMALL
REMOVAL
OPPORTUNITY
ESTABLISH COMMON PROTOCOL AT HANDOVER
INTERFACES
OPPORTUNITY
MARKET DEMAND FOR SPECIALIST / HAZARDOUS
WASTE ROUTES
OPPORTUNITY
DISMANTLING FACILITIES CAPABLE OF
RECEIVING > 10,000t STRUCTURES
OPPORTUNITY
IF NOT ESSENTIAL LEAVE TO ONSHORE
DO NOT DUPLICATE EFFORT
Key
Green Opportunities
OPPORTUNITY
CENTRAL DATABASE FOR PLANT & EQUIPMENT
AVAILABLE FOR RE-USE
OPPORTUNITY
OFFSHORE PREPARATION SHOULD BE TERMED
CONDITIONING NOT CLEANING

7
PIPELINE CLEANING
Preparation &
Engineering Phase
Operations Input
Documentation &
History
Workshop Session 4
CONSIDER
ACCESS REQUIREMENTS OFTEN
REDUCED BY MODIFICATIONS
LAYDOWN AREA REQUIREMENTS
HISTORY OF PIGGING / STATUS OF
PIPELINE
WASTE DISPOSAL ROUTES
ESTABLISH CLEANLINESS
REQUIREMENTS
Establish
Likely Condition
Remnants Requiring
Treatment
Criteria to be met
Procedures to interface
with existing operational
practices
THINK PHYSICAL &/OR CHEMICAL

TREATMENT
TIE IN POINTS TO EXISTING SYSTEMS
UTILITIES & WASTE
EARLY SITE VISIT
Execute
LEAKING VALVES
OTHER PLATFORM ACTIVITIES
IMPACT
BE AWARE OF CORROSION
PRODUCTS eg. BLACK POWDER
Dispose of Waste
USE OF PLATFORM PUMPS &

CHEMICAL STORAGE TANKS
OPPORTUNITY
MAKE BEST USE OF OPERATIONAL PIGGING IN
LATE LIFE STAGES
OPPORTUNITY
PIG AT EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY PRODUCTION TO
AVOID CHANGES TO REMNANTS AND REDUCED
SERVICES
Key
Green Opportunities
CONSIDER
VOLUMES OF WASTE AND
IMPACT ON DISPOSAL ROUTES
CAN THEY BE ACCOMMODATED.
CLEANING LOCATION DRIVERS
SPILL RISK
HEALTH RISK HAZARD
SAFETY RISK
LIFTING UNCERTAINTIES
EFFORT
ACCESS ISSUES
USE OF OPERATIONAL
DISCHARGE CONSENTS
Are all systems to be

cleaned identified
No
Identify all systems on

the facilities
No
Agree required level of

cleanliness for each
system
8
TOPSIDE CLEANING TECHNIQUES
Yes
Workshop Sessions 1 2 3 4
Info
Does each system have
an agreed cleanliness
standard
MINIMISE OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH HAZARDS
Cleaning
Techniques
Assessment
RISK ASSESS REMOVAL OF

DIFFERENT MATERIALS AT
DIFFERING LOCATIONS
Yes
Does the Cleaning

Standard have to met Onshore
or Offshore
Onshore
Agree required Offshore

level of cleanliness for
each system
Info
Onshore Contractor to
advise ensure
contract reflects this.
Draining / Venting
Methodology Study
Info
Offshore
Operational or Steam used on

Frigg/Ekofisk Large access
impact.
N2 for Gas Sytem and SW used
for Oil System on NWH
Is It appropriate to use
Operational Flushing
Techniques
Yes
Do Operational Flushing
Techniques Ensure
Complete Flushing.
If no release envisaged
consider using new /
different technologies to cut
drain holes/vents in piping to
avoid breaking flanges/
removing spools
Develop specific
Decommissioning
flushing Procedures
No
No
Selecting an inappropriate
flushing methodology may
result in increased
execution manhours and
may not attain required
cleanliness levels
Consider chemicals
& Mechanical
Techniques
Consider Waste
product Disposal
Info
Ensure Workpacks are

appropriately sized and
detailed for the works
involved.
Traditional workpacks
have been shown to be
unnecessarily large &
Complex for
Decommissioning works.
Ensure sequence of
cleaning systems
considers risk introduced
Piece small / subsystem

cleaning may not provide
complete cleaning solution
Ensure access issues

are considered as part of
the procedure selection /
development process
Consider abseiling vs
scaffolding, comparison
dependent upon draining
methodology.
(Cutting vs Valves)
No
Consider the amount of time and effort

required for cleaning
Yes
Consider Global
Isolation of Topsides
(eg. Install New tartan
cables to minimise risk /
optimise isolations)
Piece small
approach to flushing
should be avoided
as it increases
access / isolation
issues
Do Operational
Flushing Techniques
ensure complete
flushing?
No
Consider Testing Flushing

Techniques or use a combination
of cleaning methods
Modify Procedures
Info
Challenge Operational
Flushing Techniques are
appropriate for
Decommissioning
Are Operational Flushing

Techniques appropriate for
Decommissioning

required for access / isolations
Consider using different

tools to establish drains /
vents (eg. Wask Tee
Set)
Avoid breaking flanges
wherever possible
Info

required for establishing drains and Vents
Corroded Flanges /
Bolts increase
chances of hand
injuries (Flogging
spanners slipping)
Proceed with
Flushing
Yes
OPPORTUNITY
CHALLENGE EXISTING OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
TO ENSURE FIT FOR PURPOSE
Key
Green Opportunities
Decision made to
Commence
Decommissioning
THIS IS A LARGE BROWNFIELD SITE.

AS-BUILDING MAY NOT BE UP TO DATE
ALL MODIFICATIONS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN
RECORDED / APPROVED
9
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Workshop Session 1
Review Proposed
Decommissioning
Strategy
Assess impacts of health

issues such as isocynates,
Hot Cutting,Asbestos
Exposure, Sand Blast,
Noise Effects, on other
Worksites
Info
Assess Operational
Work Control Systems
Vs Expected Work
Types
Assess ISO 14001

implications of
Decommissioning
Can SCEs (Safety

Critical Equipment) be
reduced / deleted
Assess Operational
Work Control Systems
Vs Expected Work
Types
Info
May Need to Revise ISO

14001 Registration to
Decommissioning
Info
During Decommissioning
there may be more
SIMOPS/Hot Work/Lifting
activites than usual during
production operations
It is Highly Likely that some

controls are too onerous
given the state of the plant
No
It is highly likely that some

new controls may be
required to address specific
requests
It is highly likely that

Decommissioning will
produce different waste
types and waste volume
increases
Yes
Consider developing a
strategy to electrically
isolate as close to the
energy source as possible
(Generators, Batteries etc)
Avoid individual field

instrument isolations
(Process, Electrical,
Controls & Instrumentation)
wherever possible
Continue using Controls

until Milestone Point is
reached
Are Deck Management

Controls appropriate for
volume / type of works
No
Revise Safety Case

Appropriately
Consider early how

continuous HSE
management is applied
Key
Green Opportunities
Continue using Controls
until Milestone point is
reached

10
Decision made to
Commence
Decommissioning
Info
SAFETY CASE ADJUSTMENTS
Develop IVB / ICP

Engagement Strategy for
Safety Case / SCE Impact
Assessments
Workshop Session 1
Review Proposed
Decommissioning
Strategy
Info
Consider a full time HSE

Manager required early to
deal with regulator issues
Engage with local

Government Safety
Authorities
Info
Engage early with HSE and

Maintain communications
throughout
Identify Key Milestones

where Risk Level
reduces
SimOps Well
P&A and
Operations
SimOps Well
P&A and HC
Freeing
Reservoir
Isolated,
Conductor
Removal,
HC Freeing
Reservoir
Isolated,
Conductor
Removed,
HC Freeing
Reservoir
Isolated,
Conductor
Removed,
HC Free
Review SCEand their

relevance for each
identified milestone
condition
Develop Management of
Change procedure for
Safety Case transitions
Can SCEs be
reduced / deleted
Use IVB/ICP to verify

changes are acceptable
Reservoir
Isolated,
Conductor
Removed,
Unattended.
Revise Safety Case

Appropriately
Key
Green Opportunities
Decision to Commence
Decommissioning Studies
Engage Key Plant familiar personnel

to develop Decommissioning
sequence and define boundaries
within which plant & equipment will
be decommissioned from a Process
Electrical Control & Instrument
Info
11
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
Workshop Session 1
Commence regular
communications
program
Develop the
Decommissioning
Workscope
Communications Plan
Identify
Decommissioning
Competencies needs
Identify Key Target

Milestones where Crew
Levels Can Be Reduced
Eg. SCE Maintenance
Schedule (Safety
Critical Equipment)
Develop
Decommissioning
Training Program
Liaise with
Drilling
Contractor HR
Ensure that Management

of Responsibility of
installation SMS is clearly
defined
Liaise with
Brownfield
Engineering
Contractor HR
Existing Ops Crew and

supervision not familiar with
Deconstruction risks and
will require training
Info
Liaise with
Operator HR
Develop Skill /
Experience Retention
Plan
Ensure Decommissioning
Strategy needs are
identified for duration of the
work eg. Tartan Cables
may reduce EA Demand
Info
Ensure there are sufficient

Electrical Authorities/
Permit Implementers /
Signatories
Ensure that Permit

Personnel are part of
Decommissioning
Workscope Development
Team and they are
appropriately authorised
Info
Decommissioning Safety
Management System
Are there other

long term Employment
Options Available
No
Consider Retention
Incentives
Info
Info
Yes
Commence Re-Training of
Key Personnel for
Decommissioning Culture
Communicate early and

support with transparent
opportunity plan
Consider more mature

workforce who retire
when Decommissioning
is complete
Key
Green Opportunities
Develop Managaement of
Change Program to change
experienced personnel out

APPENDICES
Session 1
Decommissioning Technology Forum (DTF)
Report Extract (Jul-06)
Session 1
OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS FACILITIES

DECOMMISSIONING
GUIDANCE ON PLANNING, PREPARING
AND EXECUTING TOPSIDES CLEANING
18TH JULY 2006
REVISION
Issued for Comment
Issued for Use
DATE
7th June2006
18th July 2006
OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS FACILITIES DECOMMISSIONING

GUIDANCE ON PLANNING, PREPARING AND EXECUTING TOPSIDES CLEANING
18TH July 2006
ORIGINATOR
P Brindley
P Brindley
APPROVED
B Hemmings
B Hemmings

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Source of Data
3.0 Mindmap/Flowcharts
3.1 Decommissioning Topsides Cleaning Issues Mindmap
3.2 Decommissioning Topsides Cleaning Issues Strategy Flowchart
3.3 Decommissioning Reuse/Resale Flowchart
3.4 Decommissioning Topsides Cleaning Techniques Flowchart
3.5 Decommissioning Define Cleanliness Standard Flowchart
3.6 Decommissioning Workforce Management Flowchart
3.7 Decommissioning Safety Management System Flowchart
3.8 Decommissioning Safety case Adjustments Flowchart
3.9 Decommissioning Inventory Checking Flowchart

18TH July 2006
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1. INTRODUCTION
As the North Sea reaches maturity the issue of decommissioning facilities is becoming a more visible matter to be
addressed. To date there have been a limited number of decommissioning projects of various sizes and complexities. As
such each of the recent projects have had different issues to deal with, and each project has had to undergo a learning
process, especially when experiences present challenges to be overcome that were unforeseen. This document is intended
to act as a repository of the experiences gained by actual decommissioning projects, thus contributing to the transfer of
knowledge/experience within the industry whilst decommissioning experience is gained
It is intended to provide guidance on the issues that may need to be considered when developing topsides cleaning
strategies as part of an offshore oil and gas field decommissioning programme. It is not a prescriptive series of requirements
and should be noted that the flowcharts within this document may not always be strictly applicable to any particular
decommissioning project however it is hoped that by considering all the issues identified within the document that
unforeseen issues when cleaning topsides may be minimized.
2. SOURCE OF DATA
The information contained within this document was gathered at the Decommissioning Topsides Cleaning
Workshop held at the Marcliffe Hotel, Pittfodels, Aberdeen on the 9th May 2006.
The attendees were as follows:Name
David Hoare
Katie Denny
Stuart Douglas
Bob Hemmings
Paul Brindley
Per Brun Ellingsen
Patrick Decosemaeker
Company
BP
BP
BP
Shell
Shell
ConocoPhillips
Total Norge
Decommissioning Project
North West Hutton (Project Manager)
North West Hutton (Environmental)
North West Hutton (HSE)
Decommissioning Advisor
Brent Decommissioning (Projects)
Ekofisk (Projects)
Frigg
3. MINDMAP/FLOWCHARTS
A mindmap and series of flowcharts have been developed that summarise the information produced during the workshop.
Actual experience input to the flowcharts is provided by the series of pink coloured boxes. These diagrams follow:MINDMAP
The following mindmap is provided to give guidance as to the interactions between the various issues, such as equipment
resale strategy, waste disposal issues, resource constraints, demolition/removal startegies etc.
As can be seen there are numerous interactions that influence the cleaning strategy, especially when trying to define the
level of cleanliness sought. Clearly there will be trade offs between these interacting issues however there are one or two
key decisions that will provide significant guidance to the cleaning strategy.
Resale or Scrap? this decision is a prime driver on determining how to clean and what level to clean to. If the equipment is
to be scrapped then clearly it may not necessarily require a high level of cleanliness to be achieved offshore. If resale is
considered viable identify what value you want/expect to get and think about how you are going to get it. Often aspirations of
value fail to materialise (e.g. Maureen and Froy resale)
Removal Strategy If the facilities are to remain offshore in a Care and Maintenance mode for a period of time, then the
cleaning strategy has to ensure that recharge of the hazard or new hazards is not an issue (e.g. vapour build up from
degrading hydrocarbons, mercury sweating etc.). If the facilities are to be removed to shore within a short time frame then
the opportunity exists to reduce the level of cleaning to the minimum, and perform more cleaning onshore although onshopre
waste disposal may then become an issue/concern.
Waste Disposal Routes (Onshore) the lack of acceptable disposal routes (e.g. LSA disposal capacity shortfalls) may
dictate the cleaning strategy to be adopted. Consider carefully the use/release of existing offshore operational discharge
consents. Develop a strategy that provides the best value in terms of the offshore vs onshore disposal of wastes. This
strategy should consider the cost and spaces issues of cleaning offshore or onshore. Remember that a duty of care may
exist from cradle to grave for all wastes.
Onshore Dismantle/Disposal - Decide early what the drivers are (HSE/Cost/Schedule etc.) and decide how to influence
these activities to get best value.
Overarching all of the above is Risk Management the cleaning strategy, especially draining and venting issues, can
introduce significant offshore works that raise risk levels. There clearly is a need to balance risks between level of cleaning
activities, perceived value of equipment, and location of cleaning activities.

18TH July 2006
3 of 12
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Session 2
Offshore Workshop Notes / Participants (Oct-07)
Notes from Oil&GasUK WG4 WorkGroup Meeting

4th October 2007
Offshore facilities Cleaning
Overview of the DTF work on Cleaning
Bob Hemmings introduced the work performed in the DTF forum. This comprises
flowcharts to check key issues and aid decision making on cleaning.
Presentation by RBG
Provided an excellent overview on key factors that need to be considered in cleaning
planning and execution.
Discussion
Non intrusive Quantification
o Are there ways of determining the amount of scale or other hazardous
compounds without having to break into the vessels and pipework to be able to
determine quantities.
Examples are LSA and mercury
Access/Support
o The cleaning aspect is relatively small compared to all the preparation required.
This is particularly evident in terms of scaffolding required for access.
o Offshore surveys are critical to ensure planning can be efficient.
o Are there different access techniques? Scaffolding is labour intensive and slow.
o Cranes play an important role. Often required to be refurbished. Decks may not
be designed to take the loads for alternative cranes.
o Laydown areas are critical in the planning.
How to reduce the offshore manhours

o Start earlier with planning. No silver bullet was identified here. It is more a matter
of very thorough planning to ensure the most efficient offshore scope.
o One opportunity is to start some of the decommissioning activities before
Cessation of Production. This allows use of existing crews to perform some of
the work.
Identification of Technology Gaps.

o Are there any gaps in our current techniques?
o No major gaps were identified in the cleaning methods.
o The techniques are currently conventional but RGB did note the future possibility
of sonic techniques.
o It is possible to hold a Cross Industry Cleaning Conference
Chemical Industry
There may be other cleaning solutions that we do not know
about.
Refining
Cleaning is routinely carried out on refineries. There must be
lessons learned here.
Nuclear
Regarded as the extreme end of the cleaning technology but
again there may be lessons to be learned.
Why are we cleaning?

o Why are we doing it twice
Offshore and in the yard
We are performing different degrees of cleaning offshore then onshore

but is this optimized?
Licencing. Currently have permits offshore which allow certain
discharges. Onshore regulations are different.
Disposal Routes for all products. There are still issues in this area to be
dealt with, not least of which are LSA and mercury.
Is cleaning the wrong word?

o The cleaning is such a small part of the overall operation
o Is it better to refer to this as preparation for removal
o Does this provide a different mind-set to why and how we are cleaning?
Key Opportunities
Create a Guideline on Cleaning
o No plans at present but can be added to the list of possible future guidelines?
o Standards of Cleanliness
What do we do offshore
What can we do onshore
Get those involved in cleaning to be involved in the onshore dismantling

o To ensure cleaning is not repeated where unnecessary
o Transfer of knowledge and records from offshore work.
Capabilities of Onshore Yards

o This is both an issue and an opportunity in that not many yards have the water
depth in the approaches to take deep draft vessels.
o There are opportunities for UK yards to build a capability in this area and gain
significant work.
o
Refinery experiences in dismantling
o This is an area that is routinely performed due to redesign and refurbishment.
Information gathering from Operations Crew

o This is a critical element of preparation. The existing crews have knowledge of
equipment and contents that may not have appeared on the records or are
buried in reports.
o Turnarounds provide unique opportunities to gather information helpful to
decommissioning
o Brownfield modifications work may also inform future decommissioning and may
offer opportuities for easy removal of redundant equipment. It will provide
information on cleaning challenges.
Integrated Team with Hook-down engineering and planning

o Cleaning is such an integral part of the early phases of decommissioning so
ensure cleaning is included in the Hook-down team
Quantification of disposal quantities and keeping records is a key part of the workflow
from offshore to onshore.
Downhole disposal.
o
For Hazardous waste and hydocarbons.
Possible Forward Meetings
LSA Management
o Still the major uncertainty in cleaning estimates where present.
o Regulation
o (Check with environmental committee)
o Managing LSA Scale
Disposal Routes for LSA
Onshore Disposal
o Yard availability and capability
o Types of access
Vessel draft
o LSA handling
Pipeline Cleaning
Removal
o If we use Single Lift then what are the implications for disposal
o How do we handle the facility near shore to onshore
Cross Industry Discussion on Cleaning

o As per discussion section.
Tank Cleaning
o Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks
o Engage regulators
Health Issues
o New guidelines coming out next year?
Timing of Removals
o This is still an issue not resolved but we need to keep an eye on this one.
o There have to be upcoming opportunities on cooperation
Interaction of the Elements of Decommissioning

o Synergies
o Efficiencies
o Links
Southern North Sea

o Shallow Water does not need the Heavy Lift
o More benign conditions
o Smaller Facilities
o GOM Low technology may be more appropriate
Sub-Sea Structure Removal

o Opportunities to reduce costs in this area.
Session 3
Onshore Workshop Notes/ Participants (Jan-08)
Work Group 4, Onshore Dismantling Workshop

ConocoPhillips, Rubislaw House, 31/01/08.
Meeting Notes.
Glyn Wheeler, Able
Decommissioning of all marine structures
Waste management, Camelot CB jacket refurb/reinstallation
o LSA, accumulate and dispose
o Licensed waste haulier
o Asbestos
o Landfill site close by
Well sited, deep water birth, River Tees estuary.

Corrus steel works close by
Site 126 acres, 24 acre dry-dock
1km from nearest property
No height restrictions
20mtrs of water at quay
Good onshore access
Involved with TEAG, TERRC ecological advisory group
Answers
Deliver as Big as possible, avoid piece small
Engineering details a critical must
Detailed client documentation.
Reuse potential, minimise offshore dismantling. Linked to documentation.
Detailed waste inventory required
Good onshore/offshore interface.
Pro-active agency management
TFS not a show stopper
Less work offshore achieves more efficiency onshore, ALARP
Resource utilisation, balanced schedule to maximise safety and efficiency
Bengt Hildisch/Jan Algarheim AF Decom.
2,200 employees
Revenue $1billion.
ISO 9001 approved
ISO14001 certified
Onshore disposal services at AF Vats
LSA Scanner
Water purification plant

Discharge permit for NORM. Asbestos handling approved.
Answers
Generic Success criteria. Safety. Environment. Predictability.
Communication.
Have onshore dismantler involved in Deconstruction of Offshore Facilities
Bring Contractor onboard as early as possible.
o Contractor should takeover facility as soon as possible ie close to
COP
o Benefits, reduced safety exposure
o Reduced cost due to no double dipping of operations.
o The earlier the contractor is on board, less repair of structure for
safety reasons.
o Need easy exchange of information, Operator / Contractor.
o Need easy access to documentation
o Increased re-use
Managing Waste.
o Safety for environment and personnel
o Good mapping of waste early in process
o Open communication between authorities and parties involving
independent borders.
o Rules and regulations should be updated for decommissioning
processes.
o Company has to define exact requirement related to the waste
management
o Contractor has to have adequate tracking and reporting systems for
waste management
Operators should review their contracting strategy, allow dismantling
contractor to be Key Contractor instead of leaving it to the HLV
contractor
Trevor Smith, AkerKvaerner
Coatings usually give off toxic gases, safety issue
Asbestoses and PCBs
Good experience with mapping asbestos on FRIGG, watch for hazardous
materials getting out of control
Progressive dialogue with companies
Watch for hazardous material in unexpected locations
As built information, often lost by the time facility is decommissioned, quite
often the knowledge lies with people and not so much with the paper.
Establish databases of key hazardous material locations.
LSA/NORM/Mercury, all mapped easier with access to accurate P&IDs.
Keep maintenance documentation available

Secure as many of the senior company operating personnel to be part of
the decommissioning process.
Does size matter? Yes, Direct correlation between methodology of
removal and number of interfaces where cleaning will have to be
addressed.
Murdo MacIver, SBS Logistics.

Decommissioning facility
ISO 140001 and ISO 188001
Answers.
Can receive anyway possible. Capable of handling piece small and piece
medium.
Piece large ie FRIGG MSF 8,500tns
Trailer or skid load in, not a problem
Need the best estimate on weight
Need best estimate and design envelope
Structural dwgs/3d CAD
Details of delivery method, barge furniture info, grillage location
Lifting campaign window
Trailers scarce and need long lead time booking
Advise vessel delivery details as soon as known.
Advise on who is responsible for manoeuvring tugs
Early inclusion of off-load contractor
Transboundary shipment legislation was never envisaged to be used for
decommissioning waste.
Vessel stopping en route to destination, carrying waste could have a major
regulation problem.
Disposal of LSA, not a good solution to date
Enormous amount of pre-planning and re work due to missing
documentation.
History of vessels/pipework useage not always known.
Any LSA/norm analysis been performed, different levels, different
legislation.
Important to understand what coating systems have been used over the
facility life.
Communications are the key, piece large operations have significant
FEED requirements.
Free and open exchange of info
The future. Is 20mtr water depth at quay the answer, would operators use
it.
Engagement with planning phase
HSE guidance on CDM regulations as not being relevant, considered

opinion is that CDM regulations would be re engaged.
OPEN GROUP DISCUSSION.

Note the separate heading on the additional subjects that may
become topics for Workshops
CDM Regulations. Can be seen to be an advantage. Not yet a policy issue
but requires some debate.
Transhipment may be able to influence the regulations to make this easier
to manage.
Re-sale of equipment
o Transfer of equipment to smaller companies
o Assessment of Fit For Use
If its not essential dont do it, leave to onshore handling.
o Perform minimum cleaning offshore
o May impact recycling efficiency
o Best method will depend upon the deconstruction facility and
removal method
Time delay between COP and removal, is a key safety factor. Common
issue with Structural Integrity.
Offshore Cleaning.
o The focus should be the conditioning of process facilities for
transportation rather than cleaning.
Transfer of Custody. Critical to understand custody through the Decom.
Phases.
Common Protocol for interfaces. This may help in ensuring risks are
managed properly and reduce conflicts.
NORM re-injection into well formation. Common discussion that this
should be available as an option.
Operators should influence Authorities into allowing offshore disposal for
all NORM
o RSA-93 act covers more than LSA NORM
o Not an attractive market to supply, due to commercial risks.
o Cooperation between Oil Companies and Waste Industry required.
Knowledge transfer/capture
o Documentation
o People / access
o How to manage the projects
Timing of decommissioning schedules, it would be useful if the
Contractors knew what the time frame was for upcoming decommissioning
projects.
o Ongoing issue but not easy to solve.
o Operators will pay the price for lack of future planning
o Manage the portfolio
o Continuity of work
o Build the resource base
Further Industry Engagement Topics.
Contracting Strategy
Risk Management and Mitigation
Hazardous Waste. Transhipment issues
Use of CDM regulations and interpretation thereof.
Session 4
Npf Break Out session Notes
Npf 8th Decommissioning Conference 2008 Topside Cleaning

Breakout session 12/Feb output group discussion points.
DEFINITION PHASE define cleaniness/ hazards Group 1
Level of Accuracy?
Is something present - Yes or No is sufficient in many
instances. could be impacted by contractual terms/
strategy
Start early to build inventory routine operations/
shutdown opportunities/ vendors at design delievery.
Strategy can depend on regulation interpretation how
accurate does regulator need before comfortable?
Retention of Key personnel to assist
Interrogate shipping experience
If hazard contained leave it to onshore
Explore improved non intrusive mapping techniques
what are they- do they exist?
Do not underestimate access difficulties
Risk assess removal implications to decide onshore/
offshore (or leave)
Disposal contractors need to understand HSE
implications get their input early
Regulations?
Trans
boundary
shipment
can
drive
inventory
assessment get early mutual interpretation with
regulators in all possible landing countries.
Providing flexibility in interpretation quantities and
presence should not be allowed to dictate. Need to
identify process to audit streams and disposal routes
available for any expected material.
PREPARATION PHASE - why do we clean? Group 2
Why Do We Clean:
- Following on from COP we need to minimise hazards which
are still prevalent within the Topsides i.e. static hydrocarbons,
NORM/LSA, asbestos, mercury, isocyanates etc.
- These hazards are a risk to occupational health and as such
need to be addressed.
- Apart from the occupational health issues there is both

legislative and environmental constraints which call for some
degree of cleaning to be carried out.
- We need to ensure that all surfaces are free from
hydrocarbon oils and gases, chemicals, contaminants,
biological growths, metal scales, pyrophoric scale and
NORM/LSA as far as reasonably practicable.
- The extent of offshore cleaning should be covered in the
Topsides Contracting Strategy:
- Single Lift = Minimum offshore cleaning.
- Piece Small = Maximum offshore cleaning.
- Reverse Engineering = ?? (Somewhere in between Max /
Min).
- The interface between activities i.e.P&A and Topsides
Cleaning should also be considered. If it is possible to transfer
"waste" to redundant wells then this should be maximised to
negate any need for transportation and disposal onshore.
What Do We Clean:
- As a starting point the platform inventory will address and
identify the fluids/gasses/waste.
- Apart from the platform inventory there are also by-products
such as NORM/LSA, mercury etc.
- A qualitative risk assessment and environmental assessment
should be carried out to determine the degree/scope of what
needs to be cleaned.
- Again, the Contracting Strategy will have a major impact on
the degree of cleaning.
- Anything which has a risk of spill during separation or
transportation should be cleaned.
What Can We Do To Improve:
- Early Contracting Strategy and all-party involvement would
provide clearer understanding to Project requirements.
- Maximise local (platform) knowledge and access
operational/maintenance history.
- Focus on learning's (UKCS, Norway, GOM). Stop reinventing
the wheel.
- If there is onshore cleaning ensure that the offshore extent is
fit for purpose i.e. no double cleaning.
- Challenge existing practices. Prescriptive may not be

effective.
EXECUTION PHASE Group 3

General Execution
Cannot separate out execution Strategy from Definition
and Preparation
o Comments in execution relate to other phases.
Plan to perform the maximum work onshore
o It is easier to manage and probably cheaper than
offshore
Key common theme is documentation and data. Critical
in determining the methods and risks. Not knowing what
is there
Cleaning Guidelines
There is a need for some cleaning guidelines
o These will give guidance on what to consider
o Key to cleaning is to understand the deconstruction
method
Are you Cleaning only to make hotwork safe?
Are you cleaning for Safety at Lift separation
no free hydrocarbons
o Only do it once flow of data offshore to on; create
database, define handover documents
o How clean is clean provide guidance for different
stages incl transportation
o Standards for cleaning why needed and how much
acceptable
o Link onshore and offshore cleaning activities
o Perhaps the DTF Guidelines could be expanded for
this purpose?
Technology
Can we improve cleaning products?
o Is there value in investing in new or improved
cleaning products?
Can we develop better sealing foams to be used to seal

pipes for transportation.
Asbestos survey improvements. Is there a way of
obtaining better information ahead of dismantling?
Scale
NORM (LSA Scale) onshore or offshore?
o General consensus is that the cleaning work should
be done onshore
o However the product should be injected into the
wells offshore as potentially the best environmental
option.
New Techniques?
Injection into reservoir
o Ideally injection of contents of facilities, cleaning
products and scale?
o Time
IS
an
issue
injection
potential/
knowledge/documentation. Need to know in early
planning whether to have wells available for this
purpose.
Other Opportunities
Contracting Strategy
o There is some value in ensuring that the onshore
dismantling contractors are involved in the offshore
cleaning somehow.
o Are there different ways of organising the
contracting arrangements to ensure these potential
efficiencies actually happen?
Deal with trans boundary issues early
o This is to ensure that any approvals are started
early enough to ensure they do not become the
critical path.
Standards for grillage if spillage
o This is a detail where we need to consider
standards for grillage to ensure we do not have
uncontrolled leakage during transport, if we do not

clean completely offshore.
Maintain Access for onshore
o Try to ensure that the module access is maintained
to the extent possible so that easy access can
occur in the dismantling yard.
Discussion Facilitated by Bob Hemmings/ Iain Raich/ Chris

Gray
Session 5
Pipeline Workshop Notes (Feb-08)
Pipeline Cleaning Workshop. 27.02.2008

J P Kenny. Alan Ransom
Major Challenges
o Access. This is an issue due to limited space on many facilities. Access may have
been reduced through later platform modifications.
o Key Issues at Engineering Phase
Status of pipelines
Historical data
Access to temporary pipe work
o Lay-down areas. As above these are important for cleaning operations.
o Waste disposal. Products generated from the cleaning have to be disposed off and a
viable, environmentally acceptable route must be established.
o Communications and Modifications. Need to have more discussion with the host
Operations group.
o Pig at the earliest opportunity. If your sole objective is cleaning then performing the
job as early as possible is preferable.
o Passing valves. This is a risk which can add a significant cost to rectify.
o Cleanliness standards, how clean is clean. What objective are we working to?
o Confirmation of cleanliness being achieved. How do we know when we have done
enough.
Halliburton, Pipeline Services. Allan Browne.

Allan described the issues through several actual cleaning jobs and case studies. Most of the
experience to date is with cleaning for flow assurance purposes as opposed to decommissioning.
Allan gave a good idea of the range of issues that can arise with different pipelines in different
service. The presentation also raised the issue of how much cleaning do you need to perform for
decommissioning versus re-establishing flow.
Completed Projects or Studies discussed:

Venture - Audrey to LOGGS.
Shell Gannet D
Total MCP01
ENI- Onshore EWG1
BP- Miller Studies
Decommissioning and Flow Assurance topics:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Chemical cleaning with Gel Technology

Mechanical cleaning
Thermal cleaning
De-oiling techniques
Intervention?
Issues
Decontamination
Pig tracking
B J Services, Jim Alexander.

BJ presented the alternative to Physical Removal techniques and proposed chemical
treatments. (See the presentation for more details)
o Decommissioning Philosophy.
o Field Conditions.
o Manning Levels.
o Confirmation of accurate details, latest revisions.
o Site visit to confirm.
o Lay-down areas.
o Tie in points.
o water/electrical power/air.
o pig launching and receiving facilities.
o pumping equipment.
o Disposal of liquid and gaseous fluids from the pipeline.
o Where is it routed to.
o how is it disposed of.
o Sampling and Analysis of fluids.
o Who where when and how.
o Clear and accurate P&IDs to establish relevant method statement and technical
procedures.
o Pig Launching and Receiving Facilities.
o Pumping Equipment to be supplied by BJPPS.
o Flow / Pressure monitoring Equipment to be supplied by BJPPS.
o Do other Installation activities affect decommissioning.
o Do other production activities affect the decommissioning i.e. Infield Import or
Export Lines.
o Are there any leaking or inoperable valves that may effect the decommissioning.
o Pressure Rating of the Pipeline system.
Discussion Session
Note some of these discussions occurred during each presentation and
have been rolled into this section.
The technology is available today to clean pipelines.

o Possible Effectiveness of GELS?
o Less aggressive pigging or flushing techniques?
The key issue remains how much cleaning do we need to perform for decommissioning
purposes.
o Pipelines need to be flushed to 30ppm
o Is this a valid assumption?
o How clean is clean?
o Is there a need for a guideline?
Waste Management
o Waste routes on and offshore.
Questionable whether we have got the best routes for this.
o Issue of removing/cleaning mercury contamination from pipeline.
o We can re-inject scale into well formation providing the scale remains offshore and is
directly connected through intra field lines.
o If chemical solutions are brought on shore, it is possible to concentrate the solution
and make blocks of concrete (to minimise leaching)
o LSA Scale will always need to be dealt with, in solution or as a solid.
o Disposal of corrosion products such as black powder.
Cost reduction, where do we target??

o Planning, preparation
o Challenge the givens
o Injection in other offshore facilities
o Landfill issues
o Removal of Wax, exothermic chemicals
o LSA, minimise the dispersal footprint
o Remaining liabilities / Company image
Potential Best Practices and Lessons Learned:

o Note the comments above from the presenters
o Make best use of Operational pigging
o Optimise the time between Cessation of production and cleaning
o Do work while utilities are still operational.
o Develop pigging facilities, look at sub-sea
o Design of facilities for pigging.
o Understand your waste material.
o
How do you get rid of H2S
o Post project decontamination can be very costly.
o Pigging programmes during ongoing operations could be made more aggressive
towards the end of life.

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OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE

OIL & GAS UK FACILITIES DECOMMISSIONING WORKGROUP

TOPSIDE & PIPELINE FACILITIES

OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE

Offshore Workshop Notes/ Participants (Oct-07)

Onshore Workshop Notes/ Participants (Jan-08)

Npf Break Out session Notes

Pipeline Workshop Notes (Feb-08)

OGUK WG4 GUIDANCE

DTF Topsides Cleaning Workshop

Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities

HOW WILL RISK OF QUANTITY

Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities Decommissioning

WHAT IS OVERALL REMOVAL

DO WE LIMIT REMOVAL OPTIONS

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY REUSE

GREATER LEVEL OF OFFSHORE CLEANING

GREATER LEVEL OF ONSHORE CLEANING

WHY AND WHERE ARE WE

HSE FOR PERSONNEL/

Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities Decommissioning

Do you know what

Check that current

Check that current

Check that current

May be missed as not

Be aware that experience has

Take care wrt type of survey

Check that current

Check that current

Hot cutting of paint coatings

Do you know what

Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities Decommissioning

Reactivating LQ & key

RESALE / REUSE DECISION

Evaluate cost of Item

Can all Appropriate

Consider how to limit

Evaluate cost of Item

Evaluate cost of Item

Proceed via usual Asset

Pink Observation / Consideration

Offshore Oil & Gas Facilities Decommissioning

Frigg Criteria Hydrocarbon

DEFINE CLEANLINESS STANDARD

Establish Material Inventory

Define Cleanliness levels

Review Hazards that may

Review Potential for

Has an RPS Survey been

LSA / NORM Consider

Has a mercury survey been

Mercury can sweat out of

Is there a history of H2S

H2S can cause

Is wax expected to remain

Wax may have to be

Steaming partial system /

Establish Early Dialogue with

Is a high flushing efficiency

COLD / NUI PHASE

Consider quantities found

BLANKING OFF LSA CONTAMINATED SYSTEMS